City of Ellsworth Seeks Community Members to Serve on New Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Committee

The City of Ellsworth is seeking Letters of Interest from residents interested in serving on its newly established TIF Committee. Three voting seats and one non-voting youth seat are currently available.

TIF is an important economic development tool that allows municipalities to capture and reinvest certain property tax revenues into projects that support infrastructure improvements, business development, housing, and long-term community growth.

The TIF Committee will serve in an advisory capacity to the City Council, helping to evaluate proposed TIF projects, review the use of TIF funds, and recommend investment priorities that align with Ellsworth’s economic development and community goals. The Committee will also help promote transparency and accountability in how these public resources are managed.

Available Positions:

• Ellsworth Business Community Representative (Voting): An individual with relevant experience or knowledge of local business, finance, economic development, or related fields. Residency in the City of Ellsworth is preferred but not mandatory for this seat. A three-year term.
• Ellsworth Downtown Community Representative (Voting): A downtown stakeholder (i.e. resident, business owner, tenant) with relevant experience or interest in downtown vitality, revitalization, business development, or community planning. Residency in the City of Ellsworth is required. A three-year term.
• Ellsworth Community-at-Large Representative (Voting): An individual who brings a broader community perspective and relevant experience or knowledge of municipal affairs, economic development, infrastructure, housing, or related issues. Residency in the City of Ellsworth is required. A three-year term.
• Youth Representative (Non-Voting): An Ellsworth student or young adult between the ages of 16 and 22 who is interested in learning about municipal government, economic development, and community investment. This position offers an opportunity to participate in local decision-making discussions and bring a younger perspective to the City’s future. A one-year term.

Qualifications and Commitment
Applicants should demonstrate an interest in Ellsworth’s future and a willingness to contribute thoughtfully to discussions about economic development and public investment. While experience in finance, business, planning, or municipal government is beneficial, the City welcomes applicants with diverse professional backgrounds, community involvement, and perspectives.

Voting members must be at least 18 years of age. All appointments for voting seats will be made by the Ellsworth City Council for three-year terms, in accordance with the Committee Guidelines. Non-voting seats are annual appointments with a maximum of two consecutive renewals. The Committee will meet quarterly, or more frequently as needed, depending on project activity.

How to Apply
If you prefer a digital submission, please complete the on-line application.
OR
If you prefer paper, you can download and print the application here or stop by the Community Development Office at City Hall and get a copy.

All applications are due by November 10th.

Email: tfisher@ellsworthmaine.gov if you have additional questions.

All appointments will be presented to Ellsworth City Council for approval on or before December 21, 2026.

The City of Ellsworth encourages residents of all backgrounds to consider this opportunity to help shape the community’s economic future.

Your perspective matters, and your participation can help ensure that Ellsworth’s public investments reflect the priorities and needs of the community.

Overview: A Municipal Tax Increment Financing (MTIF) District:

A Municipal Tax Increment Financing (MTIF) District is an economic development tool authorized under Maine law that allows a municipality to capture and reinvest a portion of new property tax revenue generated by development within a defined area. When an MTIF is established, the existing assessed value in the district is set as a baseline, and only the taxes from new value created after designation are set aside for a limited time to fund public improvements such as roads, utilities, stormwater infrastructure, housing, and transportation safety.

A MTIF does not raise taxes or divert existing revenue; instead, it helps ensure that growth helps pay for the infrastructure and public investments needed to support it, while strengthening the local tax base over time.

In 2025, the City of Ellsworth procured a TIF consultant, Raegan LaRochelle, to assess these four districts. In November, the consultant held a public “TIF 101” forum (see link below), and her final report will be published here in February 2026.

Here is a link to the recording:

The City of Ellsworth anticipates adding more TIF districts soon to capture the development growth it is experiencing. Stay tuned for details!